Frustrated Yei Women Seek Help Over Missing Wages

(YEI RIVER COUNTY) – Dozens of women in Yei River County have called on the county government to intervene and compel the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) to clear eight months of unpaid wages owed to them for road maintenance work in Yei town.

The women say they were hired as casual workers by UNOPS to dig drainage channels and maintain key road networks in the area. However, they claim their last payment was made in March 2025 by Hiyabyei Investment Company, an Ethiopian firm subcontracted by UNOPS as its financial service provider.

One of the affected workers, who identified herself only as Moriba for fear of retaliation, said she and her colleagues have endured financial hardship since the payments stopped:

“We left our families and farms to open drainage systems and roads in Yei town, but we have not received our pay for eight months. Our children have been sent home from school because we cannot afford school fees,” said Moriba.

She appealed to the county departments of physical infrastructure and labour to intervene and help them receive their wages.

Another worker, who preferred to remain anonymous, said the group has raised the issue with the relevant local authorities but received no response.

“We are suffering. Nobody is listening to us. We need this issue to be resolved urgently,” she said.

The Chairlady of the Yei River County Women’s Association, Alice Siyama, condemned the delay and urged both UNOPS and the county government to act quickly:

“These women have families to feed and children sitting for exams. Failing to pay them has frustrated their participation in community development,” she said.

The Director of Physical Infrastructure in Yei River County, Richard Lugala Gwodo, acknowledged receiving the complaints and praised the workers for their contribution to improving local roads. He, however, noted that payment matters fall under UNOPS and the responsible financial departments.

Meanwhile, Malish Stephen, the county labour officer, confirmed that his office is following up on the issue with UNOPS, Hiyabyei Investment Company, and other partners:

“This matter has reached our department. We are engaging all concerned parties and hope the delayed payment issue will be resolved soon,” Malish said.

Access Radio’s efforts to reach UNOPS and Hiyabyei Investment Company for comment were unsuccessful.

If confirmed, the eight months of unpaid wages could amount to a significant sum for the women involved. The women say they will continue pressing for justice until UNOPS clears their arrears.

Women in Yei Accuse UNOPS Contractor of Nonpayment